I am a photographer, Graphic Designer and a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys blogging and writing reviews. Photography and cars are my passion. I post about various topics including health & beauty, events, automotive, music, film, travel, food, and sometimes giveaway contests.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

The Duchess of Cambridge Steps Out in Séraphine

NEW YORK, NY - February 28, 2018 - The Duchess of Cambridge wore Séraphine's Royal Blue Tailored Maternity Dress ($169) during her visit to the first annual Royal Foundation Forum yesterday. This is the Duchess' third time wearing this style!

Séraphine's Royal Blue Tailored Maternity Dress is designed to accentuate the empire waist with stylish gold button detailing under the bust. This dress is a favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge, who has worn it several times throughout her third pregnancy. Made in premium stretch woven fabric, it will adapt to your growing curves throughout your pregnancy.

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Monday, February 26, 2018

Experience the timeless tale three different ways along with all-new bonus features! We are proud to announce that this February, Disney's cherished animated classic, "Lady and the Tramp," joins the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection. Every member of the family will treasure this timeless tale—loaded with three versions of the film, classic bonus material and three all-new features—when it heads home on Digital Feb. 20 and on Blu-ray on Feb. 27.

The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition offers three exciting ways to watch Lady and the Tramp—the original theatrical version, sing-along mode and Walt’s story meetings—both Digitally and via the Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack). The Multi-screen Edition includes Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital copy, giving in-home consumers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. In addition to classic bonus features, all-new extras invite viewers to enter Walt Disney’s original office suite on the Studio lot, discover Walt’s personal passion for pups, and receive a celebrity-hosted spaghetti and meatballs cooking lesson.

Bonus Features:

BLU-RAY BONUS EXTRAS (Bonus varies by format):

Film Versions - 3 Ways to Watch the Movie
* New Sing-Along Version
* Inside Walt's Story Meetings
* Original Theatrical Version

Stories from Walt's Office - Learn about Walt through his trinkets and treasures

Walt & His Dogs - Meet the canine characters Walt loved

How To Make a Meatball and Other Fun Facts About Lady and the Tramp
- With "Oh My Disney" star Alexys Gabriele and Teen Chef Amber Kelley!

And more!

Now a celebrated part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection, Lady and the Tramp captivates audiences of all ages with brilliant animation, remarkable songs and new Bonus Extras!

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky reader will have the opportunity to win their very own copy of Lady and the Tramp Blu-Ray/DVD. Contest is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, 18+ (ends March 21, 2018 at 12am PST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good luck!

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Friday, February 16, 2018

Marvel Music/Hollywood Records are releasing the digital album of the Black Panther score, composed by Grammy®-nominated composer and songwriter Ludwig Göransson, on February 16, 2018.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay. Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.

“Black Panther” marks Göransson’s third collaboration with director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”). The Swedish-born composer wrote the original songs for “Creed” and has also produced albums for Childish Gambino, Haim, and Chance the Rapper.

Göransson recorded the score in London with a 132-piece western classical orchestra, African percussionists and a 40-person choir. Göransson said, "After reading Ryan’s first draft of the script, I quickly realized that the only way I could properly score ‘Black Panther’ was to travel to Africa to record, research and learn from as many musicians I could find. I was introduced to Senegal’s most incredible musicians and storytellers, and from there it all started to come together. One of the instruments that especially caught my attention was the talking drum, which together with West African sabar drums and ceremonial rhythms, became the foundation for the score.”

Göransson infused a wide array of African instrumentation into the score and character themes. Speaking about the score’s creation, Göransson notes: “The talking drum is used for T’Challa’s main theme, with one hit per syllable of his name played on the drum. For Erik Killmonger’s theme, the name was sung and screamed into a fula flute to convey the “musical interpretation of the character’s ferocity.” Sabar drums were used to “propel the story and to highlight both the country of Wakanda and T’Challa's movements, especially in his fight scenes.” Sabar drums are used in traditional African wrestling “making them perfect for the action scenes.”

Göransson’s biggest challenge was to blend a western classical orchestra and modern production with traditional African rhythms and harmonies. He adds, “Together with Ryan Coogler, we worked out new ways of combining the three elements into something traditionally authentic and truly unique, that I hope embodies the heart and soul of Wakanda."

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Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Incredibles 2” Super-Special To Debut Tonight

“Incredibles 2” unveiled a trio of teaser posters this week—the final poster is now available. See the images below.

Plus, TUNE IN to the Walt Disney Studios Canada social pages TONIGHT (February 14, 2018) to catch a Super-special look at “Incredibles 2.”

In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.

Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to help bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home when a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot that only the Incredibles can overcome together.

NOTES:

* Released in 2004, “The Incredibles” grossed more than $633 million worldwide. Earning more than $70 million opening weekend, “The Incredibles” posted the second-largest opening at the time for an animated feature.

* Director Brad Bird helmed “The Incredibles,” which won an Academy Award® for best animated feature film of the year. Bird also directed Pixar Animation Studios’ 2007 Oscar®-winning film “Ratatouille,” as well as 2011’s live-action film “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol,” 2015’s “Tomorrowland” and 1999’s BAFTA-winning animated film “The Iron Giant.”

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Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick {Review}

First of all, the package/lipstick casing is pretty cool! I received a KatVonDBeauty StuddedKiss Creme Lipstick in a bold, red shade called "Misfit". It was a random color I that was sent to me as part of the Influenster Program. It's a nice color choice, but I still prefer more natural/neutral shades. It feels lightweight and long-lasting. I also like the mild sweet scent.

Disclosure: I received samples of the above product(s) for my review in this post as part of the Influenster VoxBox Campaign. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. No other compensation was given.

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Thursday, February 8, 2018

Looking to boost your budget in February?

Looking to boost your budget in February?

All throughout this month you can earn big bonuses at Swagbucks, the rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching, watching videos, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Target, or PayPal cash.

As a bonus, when you sign up through me this month, you can earn a $3 bonus! Here's how:

2. Earn 300 SB total before March. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it!

3. That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned [GIVE EARNED SB AMOUNT, WHAT YOU SPEND IT ON]

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Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Best Hair Tips for Girls with Natural Curls

International Stylist and Curl Master Creator of The Doux Gets Real About Real Hair

People with wavy or curly hair are always looking for new products, tips and tricks to lock in their desired look. Whether they want to blow it straight, create looser curls or maximize their tighter coils, Maya Smith, Celebrity Hair Stylist, salon owner and creator of The Doux, the “Indie” haircare line with cult following available at Target is truly the master. Here she shares her best tips for girls with curls who want to revel in their natural hair and create a style they love.

Understand the battle between oil and moisture.

The first thing people must understand is that there are opposite things going on at the same time. “Due to the shape of curly haired strands, the hair tends to be under moisturized. On the other hand, the curly haired scalp can get very oily. Managing these opposite demands is the struggle of girls who wish to keep their curls. The key here is knowing how best to address both,” explains Maya who led the movement for women to transition from relaxers to natural curls.

Be gentle when washing curly hair.

According to Maya, kinky, thick, coiled textures tend to appear “tough” and strong enough to withstand heavy manipulation. “In my experience, these hair types are actually the most delicate, and should be handled with care, she recommends.”

Step One: Pick your products wisely.

Maya applied over 2 decades of research and development based on working knowledge of hair texture and listening to what people wanted. “I created The Doux™ SUCKA FREE Moisturizing Shampoo and FRESH RINSE Moisturizing Conditioner as the one-two step that delivers both deep cleaning plus exceptional nourishment necessary for styling.” It’s now available in Target stores and the full product line is available online at www.thedoux.com.

Step Two: Prep for shampoo.

Maya’s professional instructions for curl mastery begins with rinsing hair thoroughly with water for a minimum of 30 seconds. “This helps to eliminate any water-soluble product buildup, such as hair gel or heat protectant. It also helps you save shampoo! Assuming you’re shampooing in the shower, letting the water run over the hair in a downward motion helps prevent further tangling, and allows the hair shaft to swell and the curl pattern to fully rebound.” For those with extremely thick hair, Maya suggests separating hair into 4 sections prior to wetting the hair for increased manageability.

Once the shampoo is applied, Maya recommends light manipulation at the scalp, going from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck. “Squishing” the hair up toward the scalp is a no-no. “Shampooing this way can cause unforgivable tangling and matting. I recommend repeating the shampooing process at least once.”

Step Three: Condition and comb through like a pro.

If your scalp was properly shampooed, conditioning is easy. “This time, you’re focusing on your thirsty ends first, working upward toward the scalp. Gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush (our favorite is Felicia Leatherwood’s “Brush with the Best” detangling brush) before rinsing, starting at the ends, working up toward to the roots. Remember to rinse with cool water which snaps cuticles shut, locks in moisture, makes your hair shinier and reduces frizz.”

When it comes to “co-washing” or “conditioner washing” Maya equates the popular trend to washing your clothes with fabric softener. “In my experience, co-washing causes build-up on the hair, coating the cuticle and impairing the hair’s natural ability to absorb water. Oils, waxes, and product residue harden on the hair shaft, making it more brittle and less porous over time. When the hair can no longer effectively absorb water, the elasticity of the hair is compromised, leaving the hair “crunchy” and stiff, where it is more likely to break. The result is hair that feels dry and brittle, no matter what product you use to moisturize it,” explains Maya.

One of the things Maya Smith and her team of stylists are known for is their ability to restore hundreds of their clients’ curls, simply by getting them to trade in the co-wash for a gentle, pH-balanced moisturizing shampoo, like The Doux’s SUCKA FREE which properly cleanses hair of product residue. “Once you have the hair thoroughly clean it “drinks” up the necessary amount of moisture, and returns to its natural softness,” Maya clarifies.

Avoid alcohol and kick the crunch to the curb.

Styling products high in alcohol give curls a crunchy feel. They suck up every last bit of moisture. Hair spray tends to contain the most alcohol, while gels, mousses and anything that provides hold or lift come in second. “I recommend water-soluble gels that don't feel sticky on your skin, and aerated mousses or foams that resemble beaten egg whites, to give hair fullness, control, and non-brittle curls,” Maya says.

She adds that she created The Doux so it can be used on hair that is worn curly or straight. “Our clients purchase one set of products, and apply them differently to achieve the style they want. If you’re rocking curly hair today, you’re using The Doux’s Mousse Def and Bonita Afro Balm for softness and definition, and The Light for shine. If you’re wearing a blowout, you’re still using the same products, but applying them less liberally, and using the shine mist as a heat protectant. It’s super simple and easy to follow once you’ve seen the results each of them deliver,” Maya explains.

Blow-Dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer.

Maya’s first choice for curly styles is to air dry. “If you don’t have the time to air dry then dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer on a low heat setting. A regular blow dryer nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time while a diffuser, dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look,” she explains.

Maya recommends always applying a heat-protecting product, then flipping your head upside down using a diffuser at the roots and mid-length making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. “It’s important to leave the ends for last, and leave them only semi-dry. Air drying the ends is your best option.”

Care for the curls you were born with!About Maya Smith:Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, Maya is the best there is.While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya's unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and on Christmas Eve 2017, celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy business woman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease and hustle.

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Secrets World Tour - Live in Vancouver March 4

SECRETS will be hitting the road this spring is support of their self-titled album, out February 23rd via Made in the Shade Records. They will be stopping at 333 in Vancouver on March 4th, 2018.

Late last year, the band released "Incredible", followed by "Five Years". Secrets is the follow-up to 2015's Everything That Got Us Here.

SECRETS are set to head out on a headlining world tour, kicking off February 22nd in San Diego. The tour will coincide with the release of their self-titled album, out 2/23 via Made In The Shade Records. Pre-order information on the record, as well as tour dates, can be found here: www.secretsofficial.com

Late last year, the band released "Incredible", followed by "Five Years". Secrets is the follow-up to 2015's Everything That Got Us Here.SECRETS track listing:
1. Sixteen
2. Fourteen
3. Incredible
4. Strangers
5. Five Years
6. Mouth Breather
7. Lost Cause
8. Last Time
9. Chemical Reaction
10. 03.17.16
11. The End
12. Let Me In